Bald eagle protecting its meal

This bald eagle was eating a mouse and was protecting its meal. I would not get close to the eagle and it made it known it was aware that I was... more

by Flees Photos

Title

Bald eagle protecting its meal

Artist

Flees Photos

Medium

Photograph - Home Decor And Giclee Wall Art By Chris Flees

Description

This bald eagle was eating a mouse and was protecting its meal. I would not get close to the eagle and it made it known it was aware that I was around so I captured the image and moved on.

facts about bald eagles:

Symbol of the United States: The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is the national bird and symbol of the United States. It is featured on the country's official seal and represents strength, freedom, and resilience.

Appearance: Adult bald eagles have a distinctive white head and tail, contrasting with their dark brown body. They have a wingspan of about 6 to 7.5 feet (1.8 to 2.3 meters) and can weigh between 6.5 to 14 pounds (3 to 6.3 kilograms). Young bald eagles, called juveniles, have a mottled brown plumage and gradually develop the characteristic white head and tail as they mature.

Range and Habitat: Bald eagles are found throughout North America, from Alaska and Canada to the contiguous United States and northern Mexico. They prefer habitats near large bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, marshes, and coastal areas, where they can find fish, their primary food source.

Feeding Habits: Bald eagles are primarily fish-eaters, and they have strong talons and a hooked beak designed for capturing and feeding on fish. However, they are opportunistic hunters and will also scavenge on carrion or prey on small mammals, waterfowl, and other birds when fish are scarce.

Impressive Vision: Bald eagles have exceptional eyesight, estimated to be about four times as sharp as that of a human with perfect vision. This keen eyesight allows them to spot prey from great distances while soaring high in the sky.

Nesting Behavior: Bald eagles are known for their large nests, which they build on tall trees near bodies of water. These nests, called eyries, can be massive structures made of sticks and other materials. They often return to the same nest year after year, adding to and repairing it over time.

Mating and Family Life: Bald eagles are monogamous and generally mate for life. They perform elaborate courtship displays, which involve aerial acrobatics, calling, and talon-locking in mid-air. They typically lay one to three eggs, with both parents taking turns incubating them. The chicks hatch after about 35 days and are cared for by both parents until they fledge, which usually occurs around 10 to 12 weeks after hatching.

Conservation Success: The bald eagle was once endangered in the United States due to habitat loss, hunting, and the use of pesticides like DDT. However, conservation efforts, including habitat protection, bans on harmful pesticides, and captive breeding programs, have helped the species recover. As a result, the bald eagle was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 2007, although it remains protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Bald eagles are magnificent birds with a strong cultural significance. Their recovery from near-extinction is a testament to the success of conservation efforts, and they continue to inspire awe and admiration in people around the world.

Uploaded

June 7th, 2014